By George Cheng ’87 and Angelina Cheng ’96

For many aspiring doctors, receiving an acceptance letter from medical school is a dream come true. However, the journey is encumbered by challenges, including financial burdens, emotional stress, and uncertainty about specialties. The Paying It Forward Scholarship offers a unique opportunity to assist these students, providing financial support and mentorship to inspire future physicians.

Personal Journeys: From Struggle to Support

Medical school is known for its high costs, with tuition, books, and living costs leading to substantial debt. We both personally experienced financial struggles ourselves. As an international student I, George, felt this burden acutely as I did not qualify for U.S. loans or scholarships. I struggled to gather the necessary funds to register for classes each quarter.

I, Angelina, similarly faced financial obstacles that delayed my application for six years. So, as a foreign student, I pursued nursing first. This enabled me to quickly obtain permanent resident status, allowing me to work legally in the U.S. and save money to attend medical school.

Our personal stories motivated us to support the Paying It Forward Scholarship to help alleviate students’ financial pressures and empower them to becoming doctors.

Mentorship: A Two-Way Street

As mentors, we share our journeys and insights with medical students, guiding them through their training. This relationship empowers mentees to make informed career choices and encourages them to reflect how their journey enriches their lives.

The bonds formed through the Paying It Forward Scholarship are incredibly meaningful. With our mentees’ families living far away, we become trusted figures in their lives, providing support during challenging times. Our favorite moments include heartfelt dinners where diverse perspectives enhance our discussions. These connections foster a supportive network that encourages personal growth and resilience, even after medical education has finished.

Emotional Support: More Than Just Academics

The pressures of medical school have significantly impacted mental health, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. By providing emotional support, we help students manage stress and anxiety, encouraging open discussions that validate their experiences.

As international medical students ourselves, we understand the emotional challenges faced by our mentees, Hyunsoo Park (’25), Yeji Kim (’25), and David Ngan (’25), who are geographically far from their families. We strive to provide our mentees the same love and support we offered our son, Gerald Cheng ’24, during his medical journey. This nurturing bond helps our mentees feel valued and understood.

To enhance their confidence and acknowledge their dedication, we send encouraging messages and celebrate milestones, from passing board exams to making final decisions about specialties. We are honored to be part of their journeys, especially as they approach graduation this May.

Being invited to Hyunsoo’s wedding after celebrating her engagement was a poignant reminder of the deep connections we build. These moments highlight our impact on each other’s lives, reinforcing that our relationships extend beyond academics into genuine love and support.

The Ripple Effect of Mentorship

Investing in mentorship creates a powerful cycle of generosity that transforms the medical community. Participants in the Paying It Forward Scholarship often feel inspired to support future generations, ensuring that the spirit of financial assistance and mentorship continues.

This journey enriches us as mentors and fosters our professional growth. By sharing our experiences, we not only become better physicians but also stay connected with current developments in the field. Together, we build a legacy of care that empowers both mentors and mentees, fostering a brighter future for all in the medical field.

Empowering Tomorrow’s Physicians

As we reflect on our involvement, we see the Paying It Forward Scholarship as a sacred opportunity to impact the future of medicine. With God’s grace, we are able to offer financial support and mentorship that reflects our commitment to serving others.

We invite our fellow alumni to embrace this divine challenge—together, we can create lasting changes for future physicians. Let us pray for the wisdom and strength to invest in the next generation, essential for creating a brighter and more compassionate health care system. May we unite in this mission, uplifted by faith, to empower tomorrow’s health care leaders and be vessels of God’s love and compassion.